MAN OF STEEL Sequel Courting Joaquin Phoenix for Lex Luthor Role?

December 19, 2013

Oscar-nominated star being sought for superhero sequel…

The good folk over at Variety are hearing that Warner Bros and Zack Synder have got their eyes on Joaquin Phoenix (‘HER,’ ‘The Master,’ ‘Walk The Line’) for a role in the upcoming ‘Man of Steel’ sequel.

While the trade’s sources were unable to confirm what the role the actor was being eyed for, it is believed to be for the main antagonist, likely to be that of Superman’s archenemy, Lex Luthor.

Variety states that it is very early in the process and even if the studio offers Phoenix a role, it’s not clear he would accept as the actor has steered clear of big-budget films in the past, favouring projects with a more prestige feel. The Oscar-nominated actor is also believed to be mulling over an offer for Gus Van Sant’s ‘Sea of Trees.’

Should Phoenix commit to the superhero sequel he would be joining a cast that includes Henry Cavill as Superman, Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Diane Lane as Martha Kent, Laurence Fishburne as Perry White, and newcomers Ben Affleck as Bruce Wayne/Batman, and Gal Gadot as Diana Prince/Wonder Woman.

Jason Momoa (‘Game of Thrones,’ ‘Conan the Barbarian’) and Australian actor Callan Mulvey (‘The Hunter,’ ‘Zero Dark Thirty’) recently had their names linked to the project. Both actors are said to be up for villain roles, although “sources are saying that they wouldn’t play the main villain,” with Variety adding that “Warners has always wanted someone who would be a slam dunk in the role.”

In related news, Oscar-winning scribe Chris Terrio (‘Argo’) has come on board to provide the latest draft of the script.